Winners of four straight series, the Nationals head to Wrigley looking to prove their progress is real against the NL-leading Chicago Cubs.
Washington is coming off back-to-back series wins and has been playing some of their best baseball of the season. With both series featuring playoff contenders (the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks), their young talent continues to showcase its potential, providing fans with fun and exciting baseball for the first time in quite some time.
Chicago has turned heads this season after a disappointing 2024 season. The addition of Kyle Tucker and the emergence of Pete Crow-Armstrong has impressed fans, causing many to believe they have a chance to represent the National League in the World Series. They are 9-2 in their last eleven games and are sitting at the top of the National League Central.
For Washington, this will be another difficult series, however, recent success suggests they can hold their own against potential playoff teams. With the combination of offense and sneaky pitching, Chicago will be a tough hill to climb.
CHICAGO TEAM STATS
OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER
Chicago’s balanced lineup has been spectacular this season, ranking among the best in baseball. Led by a superstar outfield lineup with Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and off-season addition Kyle Tucker, this team has the star power to be a serious threat in the National League. They are currently the top five in most statistical offensive categories, having a .261 batting average (2nd), 79 home runs (4th), .335 on-base percentage (3rd), and .447 slugging percentage (3rd).
PITCHING ARSENAL
The pitching staff has an average unit statistically, but they are currently missing their ace, Justin Steele, for the entire 2025 season. Matthew Boyd (3.08 ERA) has been a pleasant surprise, while Jameson Taillon (3.86 ERA) and Shota Imanaga (2.82 ERA) have continued their success from last season. Chicago currently sits with a 3.85 ERA (14th), and 1.26 WHIP (16th), and batters are hitting .245 (19th) against them.
GAME ONE – Tuesday, 6:45 EDT
WAS: RHP Trevor Williams (3-5) – 11 G, 5.69 ERA, 43 SO, 1.45 WHIP, 70 ERA+
CHI: RHP Cade Horton (2-0) – 4 G, 3.98, 16 SO, 1.23 WHIP, 98 ERA+
Trevor Williams has had a rocky season coming off an injury-riddled 2024. However, his last start was a great sign for Washington fans, as he had arguably the best start of his career. He tossed six innings and only allowed three hits and no runs as Washington secured the victory against the Seattle Mariners.
The rookie has only three starts under his belt and has thrown three quality starts. His last start was his best game yet, throwing six innings and allowing four hits and two runs against the Colorado Rockies. He tossed a career-high six strikeouts in that performance, showing flashes of star potential.
GAME TWO – Wednesday, 6:45 EDT
WAS: LHP MacKenzie Gore (2-5) – 12 G, 3.16 ERA, 101 SO, 1.20 WHIP, 126 ERA+
CHI: LHP Matthew Boyd (5-2) – 11 G, 3.08 ERA, 64 SO, 1.26 WHIP, 124 ERA+
MacKenzie Gore keeps proving why he should be considered the ace for the Washington Nationals. The 26-year-old is coming off another stellar start, throwing six, shutout innings while allowing no runs and recording eight strikeouts. The strikeout machine is enjoying a pleasant breakout, and fans should be pleased with his play so far.
Boyd is entering his first season in Chicago, after previously bouncing around the league after a long tenure with the Detroit Tigers. He has been a pleasant surprise for Chicago, trying to fill the void Justin Steele’s injury has left in Chicago’s rotation. In his last start, Boyd had an identical stat line to Gore, six innings and no runs while striking out eight batters and Boyd was able to secure the win.
GAME THREE – Thursday, 6:45 EDT
WAS: RHP Jake Irvin (5-1) – 12 G, 3.93, 47 SO, 1.17 WHIP, 102 ERA+
CHI: RHP Colin Rea (3-2) – 12 G, 3.96 ERA, 43 SO, 1.38 WHIP, 97 ERA+
Jake Irvin was coming off a great stretch of consistent quality starts. However, he struggled in his last start against a great Arizona offense. Irvin went five innings, allowing ten hits and six earned runs while striking out zero batters. With a great offensive performance, Washington was able to secure the victory.
Former Milwaukee Brewer Colin Rea has been known as an innings eater for the past few seasons. Bouncing around from team to team, he joined Chicago this season and has joined the rotation due to injury. He has struggled as of late, allowing twelve earned runs in his last two games. In his last start, he allowed ten hits and six earned runs in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
A Promising Test Ahead
Washington has improved from last season, playing great, competitive baseball early in the season. The 2025 season is going by fast, having already played a third of the season. Young stars throughout this lineup are shining while veterans are proving they still hold value in this league. This will be a tough series, but Washington’s play as of late indicates it could be a tough series for Chicago as well.